Localized Surface Plasmon Research Articles

Coherent random fiber laser emission from CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.

We experimentally demonstrate the coherent random laser emission by combining CdSe/ZnS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) with hollow optical fiber. Through the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) induced by Ag nanoparticles (NPs), well-distinguished discrete spikes are observed from the Ag modified hollow fiber loaded with CdSe/ZnS QDs solution. In addition, coherent random laser action with low threshold is also realized in the hollow optical fiber filled with high packing-density CdSe/ZnS QDs even if the Ag NPs is not introduced. The self-assembled clusters of CdSe/ZnS QDs serve as the optical gain media as well as the strong scattering centers. The angle measurement experiments show that the directional emission of random laser can be adjusted by using different pumping manners. This facile, inexpensive, low pump threshold random laser could be widely used in photonic devices and display imaging.&#xD.

A novel stearic acid/expanded graphite/Fe3O4 composite phase change material with effective photo/electro/magneto-triggered thermal conversion and storage for thermotherapy applications

Composite phase change materials (CPCMs) have demonstrated high potential in thermotherapy; however, their poor energy conversion limits thermal−charge performance, thus negatively affecting their practical applications. Herein, we combined stearic acid (SA), expanded graphite (EG), and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) to obtain an 80 wt% SA/EG/Fe3O4 CPCM with multisource−triggered thermal conversion and storage abilities. The CPCM was equipped with a photothermal conversion facilitated by high light absorption of EG and localized surface plasmon resonance of Fe3O4. The high electrical conductivity of EG also offered the CPCM with an effective electrothermal conversion. An accelerated magnetothermal conversion was further achieved for the CPCM owing to the superparamagnetism of Fe3O4 NPs. Resultantly, the 80 wt% SA/EG/Fe3O4 CPCM could be facily charged as applied with either low−energy electricity (2.0 V), actual sunlight radiation (98−110 mW/cm2), or alternating magnetic field (120 W). In addition, it exhibited relatively high thermal storage capacity (152.4 J/g), excellent leakage resistance, and high thermal stability, conductivity, and cycling reliability. As in the form of a heat pack, the 80 wt% SA/EG/Fe3O4 CPCM maintained a heat release to a human back within 50–52 °C for 34 min, overtaking the criteria for high−temperature thermotherapy. The proposed multisource−triggered thermal conversion abilities and suitable thermal properties made SA/EG/Fe3O4 CPCM promising for multiple energy utilization and practical thermotherapy applications.

Titanium boride nanosheets with photo-enhanced sonodynamic efficiency for glioblastoma treatment

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has garnered significant attention in cancer treatment, however, the low-yield reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from sonosensitizers remains a major challenge. In this study, titanium boride nanosheets (TiB2 NSs) with photo-enhanced sonodynamic efficiency was fabricated for SDT of glioblastoma (GBM). Compared with commonly-used TiO2 nanoparticles, the obtained TiB2 NSs exhibited much higher ROS generation efficiency under ultrasound (US) irradiation due to their narrower band gap (2.50 eV). Importantly, TiB2 NSs displayed strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect in the second near-infrared (NIR II) window, which facilitated charge transfer rate and improved the separation efficiency of US-triggered electron–hole pairs, leading to photo-enhanced ROS generation efficiency. Furthermore, TiB2 NSs were encapsulated with macrophage cell membranes (CM) and then modified with RGD peptide to construct biomimetic nanoagents (TiB2@CM-RGD) for efficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating and GBM targeting. After intravenous injection into the tumor-bearing mouse, TiB2@CM-RGD can efficiently cross BBB and accumulate in the tumor sites. The tumor growth was significantly inhibited under simultaneous NIR II laser and US irradiation without causing appreciable long-term toxicity. Our work highlighted a new type of multifunctional titanium-based sonosensitizer with photo-enhanced sonodynamic efficiency for GBM treatment. Statement of significanceTitanium boride nanosheets (TiB2 NSs) with photo-enhanced sonodynamic efficiency was fabricated for SDT of glioblastoma (GBM). The obtained TiB2 NSs displayed strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect in the second near-infrared (NIR II) window, which facilitated charge transfer rate and improved the separation efficiency of US-triggered electron-hole pairs, leading to photo-enhanced ROS generation efficiency. Furthermore, TiB2 NSs were encapsulated with macrophage cell membranes (CM) and then modified with RGD peptide to construct biomimetic nanoagents (TiB2@CM-RGD) for efficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating and GBM targeting. After intravenous injection into the tumor-bearing mouse, TiB2@CM-RGD can efficiently cross BBB and accumulate in the tumor sites. The tumor growth was significantly inhibited under simultaneous NIR II laser and US irradiation without causing appreciable long-term toxicity.

Less is more: surface-lattice-resonance-enhanced aluminum metasurface with giant saturable absorption for a wavelength-tunable Q-switched Yb-doped fiber laser

Resonant metasurfaces provide a promising solution to overcome the limitations of nonlinear materials in nature by enhancing the interaction between light and matter and amplifying optical nonlinearity. In this paper, we design an aluminum (Al) metasurface that supports surface lattice resonance (SLR) with less nanoparticle filling density but more prominent saturable absorption effects, in comparison to a counterpart that supports localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). In detail, the SLR metasurface exhibits a narrower resonance linewidth and a greater near-field enhancement, leading to a more significant modulation depth (9.6%) at a low incident fluence of 25 μJ/cm2. As an application example, we have further achieved wavelength-tunable Q-switched pulse generation from 1020 to 1048 nm by incorporating the SLR-based Al metasurface as a passive saturable absorber (SA) in a polarization-maintaining ytterbium-doped fiber laser. Typically, the Q-switched pulse with a repetition rate of 33.7 kHz, pulse width of 2.1 μs, pulse energy of 141.7 nJ, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of greater than 40 dB at the fundamental frequency can be obtained. In addition, we have investigated the effects of pump power and central wavelength of the filter on the repetition rate and pulse width of output pulses, respectively. In spite of demonstration of only using the Al metasurface to achieve a passive Q-switched fiber laser, our work offers an alternative scheme to build planar, lightweight, and broadband SA devices that could find emerging applications from ultrafast optics to neuromorphic photonics, considering the fast dynamics, CMOS-compatible fabrication, and decent nonlinear optical response of Al-material-based nanoplasmonics.

The Fabrication of Gold Nanostructures as SERS Substrates for the Detection of Contaminants in Water.

Gold nanostructures (AuNSs) were used to fabricate surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates. These AuNSs were produced using the solid-state dewetting method from thin films. The fragmentation process was studied at 300 °C, with durations of thermal treatment of 1, 3, 6, and 12 h. These SERS substrates were then employed to detect Rhodamine B (RhB) as the model analyte, simulating a contaminant in the water at a concentration of 5 ppm. The morphology of the AuNSs was examined using SEM, which revealed a spheroidal shape that began to coalesce at 12 h. The size of the AuNSs was estimated to range from 22 ± 7 to 24 ± 6 nm, depending on the annealing time. The localized surface plasmon resonance of the AuNSs was determined using absorption spectroscopy, showing a shift as the annealing time increased. The SERS signals of RhB adsorbed on the AuNS substrates were validated by performing a 10 × 10 point map scan over each sample surface (1, 3, 6, and 12 h), and a comparative analysis showed no significant differences in the positions of the bands; however, variations in intensity enhancement ranged from 5 to 123 times at 6 and 1 h, respectively.

Silver Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review of Synthesis Methods and Chemical and Physical Properties.

Recently, silver nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted significant attention for being highly desirable nanomaterials in scientific studies as a result of their extraordinary characteristics. They are widely known as effective antibacterial agents that are capable of targeting a wide range of pathogens. Their distinct optical characteristics, such as their localized surface plasmon resonance, enlarge their utilization, particularly in the fields of biosensing and imaging. Also, the capacity to control their surface charge and modify them using biocompatible substances offers improved durability and specific interactions with biological systems. Due to their exceptional stability and minimal chemical reactivity, silver NPs are highly suitable for a diverse array of biological applications. These NPs are produced through chemical, biological, and physical processes, each of which has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Chemical and physical techniques often encounter issues with complicated purification, reactive substances, and excessive energy usage. However, eco-friendly biological approaches exist, even though they require longer processing times. A key factor affecting the stability, size distribution, and purity of the NPs is the synthesis process selected. This review focuses on how essential it is to choose the appropriate synthesis method in order to optimize the characteristics and use of silver NPs.

Preparation of C@CuNi/TiO2 with a local surface plasmon resonance for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and antibiotics under visible light irradiation

A composite photocatalyst with carbon-coated CuNi nanoparticles-loaded TiO2 nanotubes (C@CuNi/TiO2) was synthesized via a microwave hydrothermal alkali stripping method combined with subsequent in-situ carbothermal reduction. The structure, morphology, and surface chemical composition were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The findings demonstrate that the microwave hydrothermal alkali peeling enables the formation of a three-dimensional C@CuNi/TiO2 composite structure. The results of transient photocurrent response (i-t) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under visible light demonstrate that C@CuNi/TiO2 exhibits a reduced rate of electron-hole recombination and lower surface resistance compared to C@TiO2, C@Cu/TiO2, and C@Ni/TiO2. After a two-hour exposure to visible light, the composite photocatalyst C@CuNi/TiO2, featuring a molar ratio of 2 % CuNi nanoparticles to TiO2 nanotubes, exhibited remarkable degradation activity towards organic dyes (Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene Blue (MB), Methyl Orange (MO)), as well as antibiotics (tetracycline (TC) and levofloxacin (LVFX)). After 5 cycles of photocatalytic reaction, the photodegradation activity of RhB remained above 79 %. It is indicated that CuNi nanoparticles effectively trap and enrich photoelectrons through the photoexcitation of TiO2 nanotubes. Additionally, the local surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) effect of CuNi nanoparticles reduces the recombination rate of photogenerated electron/hole and the electron transport resistance in the composite photocatalyst, thereby enhancing its overall photocatalytic activity.

Plasmonic molybdenum carbide MXene nanosheets for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

Besides the excellent metallic electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility, and high optical transmittance, the two-dimensional MXenes exhibiting impressive optical and plasmonic properties have been explored to photodiodes. However, their potential use of surface plasmons oscillating in perovskite solar cells has not been studied. Herein, we incorporate, for the first time, Mo2CTx MXene nanosheets with characteristic plasmonic absorption in the whole visible region into the perovskite active layer. First, the presence of Mo2CTx nanosheets in the perovskite film increases the perovskite grain size due to the decreased growth rate and passivation of the defects around the grain boundaries through strong interaction with undercoordinated Pb2+. Furthermore, with the help of the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Mo2CTx nanosheets, the exciton binding energy in the perovskite absorber is reduced, which suggests the efficient exciton dissociation and enhanced charge separation. Consequently, Mo2CTx nanosheets based perovskite solar cell device exhibits a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.05 %. It is worth noting that the unencapsulated devices demonstrate considerably improved stability, maintaining about 89.25 % of the initial PCE after aging in air for 3000 h. This fascinating strategy provides more opportunities of the functional MXene materials for the perovskite optoelectronics.

Novel PtCu/MIL-101(Cr) for efficient degradation of bisphenol A: Photothermal synergism promoted by the localized surface plasmon resonance effect

Semiconductor photocatalysis is one of the most useful methods to solve environmental pollution problems. Herein, nanomaterial PtCu/MIL-101(Cr) was produced by an improved hydrothermal technique. The composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance with 99.7 % BPA degradation under 100 min visible light irradiation. First, the PtCu alloy has the effect of the local surface plasmon resonance effect, which can convert the photons to hot electrons and increase the reaction temperature. The synergistic effect (1+1>2) between photocatalysis and thermocatalysis significantly improved the photocatalytic efficiency. Second, the bimetallic alloying lowered the metals' work function and reduced the Schottky barrier between the PtCu alloy and MIL-101(Cr), which effectively promoted the carrier transfer. The ·O2-, ·OH and h+ were dominant reactive substances in the degradation process. The intermediates and degradation pathways of BPA were analyzed by 3D-EEM. The reaction mechanism was proposed based on theoretical calculations and experimental analysis. This work provides new directions for designing photothermal synergistic green catalysts and purifying the environment.

Using TiO2 to capture hot electrons for self-powered position-sensitive photodetection.

As environmental issues arise, the demand for self-powered position-sensitive detectors (PSDs) is increasing because of their advantages in miniaturization and low power consumption. Finding higher efficiency schemes for energy conversion is paramount for realizing high-performance self-powered PSDs. Here, a surface plasmon-based approach was used to improve the energy conversion efficiency, and a plasmon-enhanced lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) was observed in PSD with TiO2/Au nanorods (NRs)/Si structure. The Au NRs convert absorbed light energy into electricity by generating hot electrons, which are efficiently captured by the TiO2 layer, and the PSD is capable of generating position sensitivity as high as 251.75 mV/mm when illuminated by a 780 nm laser without any external power supply, i.e. about five times higher than similar sensors in previous studies. In addition, the position sensitivity can be tailored by the thickness of TiO2 films. The enhancement mechanism is investigated by a localized surface plasmon (LSP)-driven carrier diffusion model. These findings reveal an important strategy for high sensitivity and low energy cost PSDs while opening up new avenues for energy harvesting self-powered position sensors.

Development of a localized surface plasmon-enhanced electron beam-pumped nanoscale light source for electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscopy.

We have demonstrated localized surface plasmon (LSP)-enhanced cathodoluminescence (CL) from an atomic layer deposition (ALD)-grown Al2O3/ZnO/Al2O3 heterostructure to develop a bright nanometer-scale light source for an electron beam excitation-assisted (EXA) optical microscope. Three types of metals, Ag, Al, and Au, were compared, and an 181-fold enhancement of CL emission was achieved with Ag nanoparticles (NPs), with the plasmon resonance wavelength close to the emission wavelength energy of ZnO. The enhanced emission is plausibly attributed to LSP/exciton coupling. However, it is also attributed to an increase in coupling efficiency with penetration depth and also to an increase in light extraction efficiency by grading the refractive indices at the heterostructure.

Pushing the Limits of Photoconductivity via Hot Electrons in Deep Trap States in Plasmonic Architectures.

Although extensive research on the mechanisms of photoconductivity enhancement in plasmonic Schottky structures has been conducted, the photoconductive interplay between hot electrons and trapping states remains elusive. In this study, we explored the photoconductive relationship between plasmonic hot-carriers and defect sites present in plasmonic architectures consisting of N-face n-GaN and Au nanoprisms. Our experimental results clearly verified that the plasmonic hot-electrons generated by interband transitions preferentially occupied deep trap levels in n-GaN, thereby considerably enhancing the photoconductivity through the combination of photogating and photovoltaic effects. Our quantitative evaluation demonstrated that a mere 63% increase in hot-electron trapping leads to a 1.7-fold increased photocurrent under localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation compared to the figure of photocurrent under non-LSPR stimulus. Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of photoconductive enhancement for advanced plasmonic applications.

Localized surface plasmon resonance enhanced deep ultraviolet photodetectors based on Pd@Nb2CTx/AlGaN van der Waals heterojunctions

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has been proven as an effective means to improve the performance of optoelectronic devices from infrared to ultraviolet region. However, due to the lack of suitable plasmon materials in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) region, studies in this field were relatively rare. Herein, a simple solution reduction method was proposed to decorate palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) onto two-dimensional (2D) niobium carbide Nb2CTx (MXene) nanosheets to fabricate Pd@Nb2CTx/aluminum-gallium nitride (AlGaN) van der Waals heterojunction (vdWH) DUV photodetectors (PDs). Thanks to the plasmon coupling between Pd@Nb2CTx and AlGaN, the obvious enhanced optical absorption and carrier excitation of the as-fabricated DUV PDs have been observed with a peak responsivity of 0.86 A/W, as well as a fast response (rise/decay time of 37.8/14.5 ms) under −3 V bias and 254 nm DUV illumination. This study provides direct evidence for LSPR of Pd NPs in the DUV region, which will develop an optional pathway for the structure design of DUV PDs.

Abstract A075: Establishing the interaction mechanism of oncoprotein, Mucin1, and extracellular vesicle marker protein, Alix, in pancreatic cancer

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an aggressive disease with devastating mortality rates largely due to a poor understanding of its progression mechanism. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are used by cancer cells to aid in their progression, and tumor-derived EVs (TEVs) show a distinct protein cargo composition potentially contributing to this rapid progression and metastasis of PDAC. To investigate this phenomenon, we isolated sEVs from conditioned media of pancreatic cancer cell lines using ultracentrifugation and characterized them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis, and immunoblotting. These sEVs were then used in several studies to investigate critical TEV cargo sorting machinery. For instance, PDAC-derived sEVs have selective enrichment of the oncogenic transmembrane protein Mucin1 (MUC1). Preliminary MUC1KO studies from our lab revealed that MUC1 potentially regulates sEV formation, where we saw a clear impact on sEV cargo in the absence of MUC1. Additional studies found that the cytoplasmic adaptor protein ALG-2-Interacting Protein X (Alix), a protein known to play a critical role during TEV formation, regulates MUC1’s presence in sEVs. From this discovery, we then identified a novel MUC1-Alix interaction, which was confirmed using several techniques, including co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP). To define the Alix-interacting domain of MUC1, we utilized in silico modeling and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of MUC1.CT and Alix to quantify the interaction. This revealed the cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 (MUC1.CT) as the Alix-interacting domain. Moving forward, our central hypothesis for this study is that this MUC1.CT-Alix interaction utilizes a conserved binding motif that targets Alix to the endosomal membrane and contributes to the formation of MUC1+ sEVs. While a distinct sEV biogenesis pathway employed by cancer cells has not yet been defined, our studies will provide insight into the potential sEV sorting mechanism of MUC1 and other cancer biomarkers and advance the understanding of PDAC progression. Citation Format: Kristine V Hoagstrom, Ying Huang, Gloria E Borgstahl, Michael A Hollingsworth. Establishing the interaction mechanism of oncoprotein, Mucin1, and extracellular vesicle marker protein, Alix, in pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A075.

Janus-structured evaporator with multiple optimization strategies for sustainable solar desalination

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is an environmentally-friendly and sustainable approach to seawater desalination and offers a promising solution for addressing water scarcity challenge. However, the intricate nature of SIE technology as a complex three-phase system calls for more holistic design strategies. Therefore, we present a comprehensive optimization strategy that integrates various design concepts spanning from optical characteristics and thermal localization enhancement to thermal convection intensification. The enhancement of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect is initially demonstrated by uniformly introducing TiN-NH2 nanoparticles onto the SWCNTs-COOH surface, showcasing remarkable absorbance properties (95.49%). Subsequently, the integration of a dual-network hydrogel is utilized to create a Janus architecture, which can enhance the thermal localization effect with an impressive evaporative efficiency of 92.25%. Finally, perforations are introduced to further improve heat convection, resulting in an exceptional evaporation rate of TiN@CNT/GOF-H1 (3.33 kg m−2 h−1, when calculated according to the real area, the evaporation rate value is 3.75 kg m−2 h−1). Both experimental findings and numerical simulations underscores the efficacy of this multiple-optimization engineered design. Experiment conducted within a customized device has substantiated the enduring cyclic stability and pH resistance to variations, potentially facilitating the spread of practical applications. The integration of multiple optimization strategies is expected to provide valuable insights for the holistic performance enhancement of the SIE evaporators.

Pentatwinned AuAg Nanorattles with Tailored Plasmonic Properties for Near-Infrared Applications.

Noble metal nanoparticles, particularly gold and silver nanoparticles, have garnered significant attention due to their ability to manipulate light at the nanoscale through their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). While their LSPRs below 1100 nm were extensively exploited in a wide range of applications, their potential in the near-infrared (NIR) region, crucial for optical communication and sensing, remains relatively underexplored. One primary reason is likely the limited strategies available to obtain highly stable plasmonic nanoparticles with tailored optical properties in the NIR region. Herein, we synthesized AuAg nanorattles (NRTs) with tailored and narrow plasmonic responses ranging from 1000 to 3000 nm. Additionally, we performed comprehensive characterization, employing advanced electron microscopy and various spectroscopic techniques, coupled with finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations, to elucidate their optical properties. Notably, we unveiled the main external and internal LSPR modes by combining electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Furthermore, we demonstrated through surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRA) that the NRTs can significantly enhance the infrared signals of a model molecule. This study not only reports the synthesis of plasmonic NRTs with tunable LSPRs over the entire NIR range but also demonstrates their potential for NIR sensing and optical communication.

Silk Fabric Functionalized by Nanosilver Enabling the Wearable Sensing for Biomechanics and Biomolecules.

Integrating biomechanical and biomolecular sensing mechanisms into wearable devices is a formidable challenge and key to acquiring personalized health management. To address this, we have developed an innovative multifunctional sensor enabled by plasma functionalized silk fabric, which possesses multimodal sensing capabilities for biomechanics and biomolecules. A seed-mediated in situ growth method was employed to coat silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto silk fibers, resulting in silk fibers functionalized with AgNPs (SFs@Ag) that exhibit both piezoresistive response and localized surface plasmon resonance effects. The SFs@Ag membrane enables accurate detection of mechanical pressure and specific biomolecules during wearable sensing, offering a versatile solution for comprehensive personalized health monitoring. Additionally, a machine learning algorithm has been established to specifically recognize muscle strain signals, potentially extending to the diagnosis and monitoring of neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Unlike electromyography, which detects large muscles in clinical medicine, sensing data for tiny muscles enhance our understanding of muscle coordination using the SFs@Ag sensor. This detection model provides feasibility for the early detection and prevention of neuromuscular diseases. Beyond muscle stress and strain sensing, biomolecular detection is a critical addition to achieving effective health management. In this study, we developed highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection for wearable health monitoring. Finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations ware utilized to analyze the efficacy of the SFs@Ag sensor for wearable SERS sensing of biomolecules. Based on the specific SERS spectra, automatic extraction of signals of sweat molecules was also achieved. In summary, the SFs@Ag sensor bridges the gap between biomechanical and biomolecular sensing in wearable applications, providing significant value for personalized health management.

Plasmonic coupling dependent sensitivity in localized surface plasmon resonance based optical sensors

This paper investigates the impact of environmental changes on silver nanoparticles (AgNp) immobilized sensor probe within strong and weak plasmonic coupling regimes. To monitor these interaction regimes, evanescent wave absorption based on fiber optic and attenuated total reflection techniques have been employed. In the weak coupling regime, variations in refractive index (RI) primarily affect intensity rather than wavelength. Conversely, in the strong coupling regime, intensity decreases, while wavelength sensitivity increases with changes in RI. Our findings qualitatively agree with a theoretical framework based on the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) for two-particle interacting systems, providing valuable insights for optimizing plasmonic interactions to enhance sensitivity. This information will aid the scientific and industrial community in understanding the plasmonic interaction region for maximizing sensitivity of Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) based photonic devices.

De novo Cu-MOF@CNS nanocomposite coated on a cotton fibrils framework for sustainable solar-driven desalination.

Environmental researchers are extremely concerned about addressing the declining availability of drinking water, which is a critical issue in many nations. Solar-driven desalination is an emerging and pioneering renewable approach to reduce potable water scarcity that is suitable for remote locations, developing countries, and disaster zones as it does not require additional energy supply. However, there are still issues with the scalable preparation of photothermal materials, such as achieving low cost and widening the assortment of useful applications. Conventional carbon- and metal-based absorbers are intricate and fragile, which make them difficult to install and transport in places with minimal infrastructure. Thus, a universal process for creating adaptable solar evaporators is sorely required. Herein, we have come up with a holistic approach using a solar absorber (GJ-01(Cal)) derived from a Cu-MOF (HKUST-1) and carbon nanosheets (CNSs) for generating potable water from saline water using solar radiation. The as-synthesized material provides high-performance photothermal water evaporation when illuminated under solar irradiation at the air-water interface. Moreover, its porous structure, high photothermal conversion efficiency, rapid water flow, and heat insulation make it appropriate for saline water desalination. CNS play a pivotal role in improving the photothermal features of the solar absorber (GJ-01(Cal)) in terms of conjugation to promote Cu(0) species and pyrrolic nitrogen (P-N) amplification and thereby enrich the p-type nature of the absorber's triphasic configuration. With these photothermal factors, the localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of electrons increases and achieves high solar spectrum absorption. The GJ-01(Cal) was further coated on porous cotton fibrils (CF) that regulate photothermal interfacial evaporation (PTIE) by allowing water transportation via capillary action. This assemblage of the nanocomposite on CF efficiently evaporates water at a higher surface temperature of ∼47 °C under one solar illumination, achieving 4.23 kg m-2 h-1 of evaporation flux and 96.5% light-to-heat conversion efficiency. Interestingly, the GJ-01(Cal) coated over CF can be recycled at least 10 times. Additionally, it offers scalable production for higher photothermal efficiency with a flexible substrate as a solar evaporator and is beneficial for society paving new horizons towards a sustainable environment.

Asymmetric and mechanically enhanced MOF derived magnetic carbon-MXene/cellulose nanofiber films for electromagnetic interference shielding and electrothermal/photothermal conversion

The prosperity of wearable and microelectronic devices tremendously facilitates to exploit thin and flexible composite films with multifunction. Free-standing MXene films have aroused considerable interest in the fields of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal management because of brilliant electrical conductivity, distinctive layered architecture and remarkable localized surface plasmon resonance effect. Nevertheless, the inferior mechanical strength and potential performance degradation in humid environments seriously constrain their practical applications. In this regard, robust and multifunctional CoNi-MOF-74 derived magnetic carbon/cellulose nanofibers (CNF)-MXene/CNF composite films with Janus architecture were successfully constructed via two-step vacuum-assisted filtration technology. The rational arrangement of functional fillers effectively improves the impedance matching, promoting the incident electromagnetic waves to enter the films for consumption. Constructing double-layered structure could induce the generation of “absorption-reflection-reabsorption” dissipation manner, dramatically enhancing EMI shielding performance. The bi-layered magnetic carbon/CNF-MXene/CNF composite membranes (0.1 mm in thickness) realize a fascinating EMI shielding effectiveness of 68.86 dB and a superior absorption efficiency of 58.82 dB. Meanwhile, the brilliant conductivity and significant localized surface plasmon resonance effect of MXene/CNF layer endow the composite films with excellent electrothermal/photothermal conversion capability, greatly broadening application prospects. The steady temperature of the composite films is as high as 112.9 °C within 10 s under the low driven voltage of 3.0 V and the saturation temperature reaches up to 154.2 °C within 15 s at the light intensity of 1500 W/m2, respectively. Moreover, the plentiful hydrogen bonding interaction and compact interfacial combination jointly enable the composite films to possess robust mechanical flexibility, satisfying the demands in practice. This work supplies a prospective guidance for preparing flexible and multifunctional composite films with Janus architecture, revealing great application potential in wearable and microelectronic devices even under harsh conditions.